We all know the phrase, “God knows my heart.” I always tend to cringe when I hear someone say that because it’s usually followed by a statement or action that goes against God’s instruction or holiness. “I can’t do what God is asking me do to but God knows my heart. I know I shouldn’t be having sex but God knows my heart. I know I promised God that I wouldn’t do this but God knows my heart.” Sound familiar? The truth is, yes, GOD DOES KNOW YOUR HEART but I don’t think you do.
When we lack a full understanding of God’s holiness and His Word, we rely on our perception of our actions and motives. Because when we intentionally live outside of God’s standard, our hearts are really saying that we are rebellious, we don’t respect God, we don’t honor God, we don’t trust God, and we don’t revere God. Ouch, I know. I’m sure that was not our intent but this is why Jeremiah 17:9 says that our hearts are deceitful. We deceive ourselves into believing that our hearts are pure and therefore can justify and even atone for our disobedience against God.
God Knows All
God is omniscient which means He knows everything. He knows our thoughts, our patterns, and our desires. He knows us. The heart represents the inner man, mind, will, understanding, soul, reflection, memory, and conscience. It is the very essence of who we are. God knows it all.
This is why David says, ”Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.“ (Psalms 139:23-24) What we say and what we do is evidence of what is in the heart. We can’t fool God even when we fool ourselves. It is a false apology. We are just trying to appease God’s ears as if God doesn’t know the motive behind it. This is why repentance is more than just confession. Repentance is also a turning away. God knows my heart is a confession but it is not a turning away.
God’s Holiness
We do not have God’s innate holiness which is why we have the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us reflect His holiness. We all fall short. But that does not mean that we should live and operate as fallen people. When we live surrendered to God, we say God search my heart. We believe that what we say is good, and what we do is good, but God is all-knowing. We must ask Him, “What is the truth?” We mustn’t settle for disobedience. So, yes, God does know your heart. Instead of living in willful deception, ask God to reveal your heart to you.
Read Me Next! – Holy, Holy, Holy God
Scripture To Mediate On
”Lord, you have searched me and known me.“
”You know when I sit down and when I stand up; you understand my thoughts from far away.“
”And he told them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the sight of others, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly admired by people is revolting in God’s sight.“
”The heart is more deceitful than anything else, and incurable — who can understand it?“
”Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the everlasting way.“
”But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a person.“
With Love,
Tamara
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References:
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
